St. Petersburg, Florida -- From the moment these pint sized students enter Master Amir's Martial Arts class at his academy in St Petersburg, they know he means business.
Mr. Amir started training in the martial arts when he was just 6 years old. He opened his first school at age 16. He remembers how much he learned from his teachers.
- Amir Ardebily, Amir Academy of Martial Arts
- “Kids are always looking for someone to look up to besides their parents and they always love their martial arts teachers. They fear and respect them at the same time they love them.”
The students really do love the challenge of learning the fundamentals of kickboxing.
It’s hard work, especially considering they’ve already put in a full day at school.
10-year-old Elijah Na says at first the hour long classes were pretty tough but now he loves the sweat inducing workouts.
Most of what we see is very physical.
But these young students are also learning the fine art of discipline.
12-year-old student Chelsea Helt says at first it was a little strange. She says now her teachers and other adults have taken notice of how respectful she is of others. And Chelsea says she has also noticed when she shows respects for others they in turn respect her.
Mr. Amir says the lessons taught in his academy will last these students a lifetime.
Ginger Gadsden, Tampa Bay's 10 News